Pics of rare, deformed, foxglove stem!

Every year we have hundreds of foxgloves on our property, and while weeding between them I always notice and admire them, often stopping to photograph a fine stand or two. A few days ago I came across a most unusual foxglove stem, which I've never seen before. The stem was like a thick ruler in appearance, rather like a strap of liquorice, but largely green rather than black.

Has anyone seen similar?

Does anyone know why this deformation might have occurred?

Below: the top of the stem, with many buds still to open.




Below: the strap-like stem as viewed from one of its two narrow sides.




Below: a pic showing leaves seeming to spring from the various lines running upwards through the stem.

 

@Skylark001 it's a fine example of fasciation. It's caused by damage to the growing tip of the shoot. This damage can be be by a whole range of things, frost, wind, insects ect.
It's not that uncommon: I see an example or two most years, often on herbaceous plants with flower spikes, but I've also seen it on a Cotoneaster microphylla and a couple of other shrubs also tomatoes occasionally..
The good news is it's random, doesn't spread from plant to plant and on perennials and shrubs doesn't return next year after dead heading or pruning the affected shoot next year..

 

I've seen it on foxgloves from time to time, and other things too. On fasciated foxgloves you sometimes get a big open flower on the top.

 

@JennyJB that oversized flower is an example of pelorism.

Personally I think pictures of fasciation and pelorism are disconcerting. I really don’t like them.

 

Thanks to everyone for your comments.